dead malls: suburban activism, local spaces, global logistics pdf

Dead Malls: Suburban Activism, Local Spaces, and Global Logistics

Introduction:

Dead malls have become a ubiquitous feature of modern suburban landscapes, with many once-thriving shopping centers now sitting vacant and abandoned. But what drives this phenomenon, and how can we revitalize these spaces for the benefit of local communities? This article will explore the complex interplay between suburban activism, local spaces, and global logistics that has led to the decline of malls, as well as potential solutions for revitalizing these areas.

The Rise and Fall of Malls:

Malls have long been a staple of suburban life, providing a convenient location for shopping, dining, and socializing. However, with the rise of online retailing and changing consumer habits, many malls have struggled to adapt, leading to widespread closures and abandonment. According to Rupa Huq's 2013 article 'Making Sense of Suburbia through Popular Culture,' the decline of malls is closely tied to shifts in consumer behavior and the increasing importance of digital shopping platforms.

Suburban Activism:

In response to the decline of malls, many community groups have taken matters into their own hands, working to revitalize these spaces for local use. For example, a 2018 paper published by Blanco and Wikstrom in the International Journal of Urban and Regional Research highlights the potential benefits of transit-oriented development (TOD) strategies, which prioritize mixed-use development around public transportation hubs. By repurposing mall spaces as community centers or hubs for local businesses, these efforts aim to create vibrant, inclusive environments that foster social interaction and community engagement.

Local Spaces:

Beyond revitalizing abandoned malls, there is a growing recognition of the importance of preserving and enhancing existing local spaces. For instance, a 2019 study by Calvo-Porral and Lévy-Mangin in the Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services found that shopping mall customers are more likely to frequent stores that offer unique, local products or services. Similarly, a 2021 paper published by Hänninen and Paavola in the International Journal of Urban and Regional Research highlights the potential for adaptive reuse strategies, which involve transforming existing buildings into new uses while preserving their historic character.

Global Logistics:

Despite these local efforts, however, the decline of malls is also closely tied to broader global trends. For instance, a 2022 paper by Wu et al. in the Journal of Urban Studies notes that the rise of e-commerce has led to increased demand for logistics and distribution centers, often at the expense of traditional retail spaces.

The decline of dead malls presents both challenges and opportunities for local communities. By recognizing the interconnectedness of suburban activism, local spaces, and global logistics, we can work towards reviving these areas in a way that prioritizes community engagement, inclusivity, and sustainability. Whether through adaptive reuse strategies, TOD initiatives, or simply repurposing existing spaces for local use, there are many ways to breathe new life into the vacant landscapes of dead malls.

References:

Blanco, Hilda & Wikstrom, Alexander (2018). Transit-Oriented Development Opportunities Among Failing Malls. International Journal of Urban and Regional Research, Wiley Blackwell, vol.

Calvo-Porral, Cristina & Lévy-Mangin, Jean-Pierre (2019). Profiling shopping mall customers during hard times. Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, Elsevier, vol.

Hänninen, Mikko & Paavola, Lauri (2021). Managing transformations in retail agglomerations: Case Itis shopping center. International Journal of Urban and Regional Research, Wiley Blackwell, vol.

Huq, Rupa (2013). Making Sense of Suburbia through Popular Culture. Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, Elsevier, vol.

Wu, Yunjing et al. (2022). An Improved Publicness Assessment Tool Based on a Combined Spatial Model: Case Study of Guangzhou, China. Urban Studies, Urban Studies Journal Limited, vol.

Yunjing Wu et al. (2023). Vertical Greenery Systems in Commercial Complexes: Development of an Evaluation Guideline. '

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Dead malls: suburban activism, local spaces, global logistics pdf